The effect of family-friendly policies on job satisfaction

Abstract

[eng] Purpose – We study the extent to which family-friendly policies influence job satisfaction (overall job satisfaction, intrinsic job satisfaction and extrinsic job satisfaction). Moreover, we analyze the differences between age groups, gender, having children and the number of children in the perception of family-friendly policies and in all the types of job satisfaction. Design/methodology/approach – 1647 employees from 42 organizations located in Spain participated in this study. The participants completed a questionnaire which measures the perception of family-friendly policies and the three levels of job satisfaction (overall, intrinsic and extrinsic job satisfaction). Findings – Regression analysis revealed that family-friendly policies have a positive impact on all the types of job satisfaction. Significant age differences have been found in the levels of the perception of family-friendly policies, overall and extrinsic job satisfaction. Gender differences have been found only in the perception of familyfriendly policies. Differences between having children or not have been found in the levels of overall job satisfaction and extrinsic job satisfaction. Research implications – Family-friendly policies have an impact on job satisfaction and there are differences on the perception of family-friendly policies and job satisfaction depending on age, gender or having children or not. Originality/value – This research contributes to a deeper understanding of to what extent family-friendly policies predict job satisfaction as well as how this relationship changes depending on phases of the lifespan, gender and having children.